过时

Etymology & Components

The Chinese word 过时 (guòshí) is composed of two characters: 过 (guò) and 时 (shí). The character 过 means "to pass" or "to exceed", while the character 时 means "time". Together, they form the compound word 过时, which literally means "to pass the time" or "to exceed the time". In modern Chinese, 过时 is used to mean "outdated" or "obsolete".The word 过时 has been used in Chinese for centuries. It can be found in texts dating back to the Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE). In these early texts, 过时 was used to refer to things that were no longer in fashion or that had become obsolete. For example, in the book "Shiji" (史记), the historian Sima Qian (司马迁) wrote about how the Qin Dynasty (221 BCE - 206 BCE) had become 过时 and was replaced by the Han Dynasty.Over time, the meaning of 过时 has evolved to include things that are no longer relevant or useful. For example, in modern Chinese, 过时 can be used to describe a computer program that is no longer compatible with the latest operating system, or a fashion trend that is no longer popular.The word 过时 is a useful addition to any HSK learner's vocabulary. It is a common word that can be used in a variety of contexts. By understanding the etymology of 过时, HSK learners can better understand the meaning and usage of this important word.